You Dirty Dog! How often do you bathe your Dog?

You Dirty Dog! How often do you bathe your Dog?

Your best friend loves to play and cuddle and has become like one of your own children. He enjoys lying beside you and going to the local supermarket or park and is always ready for adventure. During those busy days of play and excitement, your pup is gathering tiny dirt particles that are sometimes unseen to the eye. You might wait until he rolls in the mud or goes for a stroll in the rain before you scrub him down, but chances are he’s been collecting dust and dirt more often than you think. So, when should you bathe him? Check out these tell-tale signs and tips on how to tell when Fido needs a bath.

I just bathed him!

This is the typical response if you’ve washed him a few weeks back but little do you know that during those two weeks your pet could carry some pretty intense allergens. If you aren’t regularly brushing, combing, and de-fleaing your dog, then you will need to bathe him more often. Keeping his coat shiny and combed not only looks presentable but keeps the excessive dirt and bugs at bay. If you are using an off-brand formula to clean your pet, you might notice an allergic reaction to the shampoo or conditioner. In order to avoid this rather uncomfortable and unpleasant situation, switch to a formula that your vet or local groomer recommends. If your dog is prone to bugs and fleas and is on regular medications, you will need to wash him or her more frequently, paying special attention to excessive scratching that might lead to rolling in the grass to relive the itching.

So, just how often should you bathe your dog?

A weekly bath will allow you the chance to assess the dogs physical condition, clean the ears and eyes, while performing a thorough check of skin and coat to ensure the health and wellbeing of your pet. This is great way to keep tabs on the health conditions such as gum disease and gingivitis that commonly occur in dogs. You may want check their teeth and even brush them as well, paying close attention to the condition of the teeth and gums. Patches of missing hair and bumps or lumps are more visible during his or her weekly bath. This time is a great way to find out how your dog reacts to changing weather, medications, or even other dogs. Other dogs can have a negative impact on your dog. This kind of negativity affects your dog’s skin, hair, and sleep patterns and can be assessed during a routine bath.

But my dog isn’t a fan of baths

That’s OK. In order to get your dog in the habit of appreciating bath time, one suggestion is to let him watch other dogs during their bath time and evaluate how he responds to their behavior. If this isn’t possible, go for a long walk to calm him down before you get the bath ready. A warmer temperature can actually be a shock to your dog so keep it lukewarm until he adjusts. Introduce him to the sound of running water in the sink before gradually adding water to the tub, filling it slowly. It doesn’t hurt to bring a treat or two in there with you. This is a great way to encourage him or her that they are getting a reward for doing something good.